🔧 Kicks - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

This job drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter, and refills your Kicks with fresh oil. Clean oil protects the 1.6L engine from wear, heat, and sludge buildup.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface so the oil drains correctly and the vehicle stays stable.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool until it is warm, not hot. Hot oil can burn skin.
• ⚠️ Never work under your Kicks supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves to protect your eyes and skin from used oil.
• ⚠️ Keep used oil away from children, pets, soil, and drains. Recycle it properly.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this oil change.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• Oil filter cap wrench 65mm 14-flute
• Oil drain pan 8-quart minimum
• Funnel
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 0W-20 full synthetic - Qty: 4.3 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Kicks on level ground and shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake firmly.
• Place wheel chocks behind both rear wheels. Wheel chocks are blocks that stop the vehicle from rolling.
• Start the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap by hand. This helps the oil drain smoothly.
• If lifting the front, raise only at approved front lift points and support the vehicle with jack stands before going underneath.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and Secure the Front

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front of your Kicks high enough to work safely.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the proper front support points.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands with the floor jack.
• Push the vehicle lightly by hand to confirm it is stable before getting underneath.
• Never trust the jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Engine Cover if Equipped

• Use the trim clip removal tool to remove plastic push clips from the lower engine cover.
• Use the flat-blade screwdriver to help release stubborn clips if needed.
• Set the cover and clips aside in a safe place.
• Keep clips in a cup.

Step 3: Position the Drain Pan

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Place the oil drain pan 8-quart minimum under the engine oil drain plug.
• Position the pan slightly behind the drain plug because oil may shoot outward at first.

Step 4: Drain the Engine Oil

• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the drain plug by hand while pressing inward slightly, then pull it away quickly.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to a drip.
• Inspect the old drain plug washer and remove it from the plug.
• Wipe the drain plug clean with shop towels.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Install the new oil drain plug crush washer onto the drain plug by hand. A crush washer is a soft sealing washer that prevents leaks.
• Thread the drain plug into the oil pan by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)
• Wipe the area clean with shop towels so leaks are easier to spot later.

Step 6: Remove the Old Oil Filter

• Move the oil drain pan under the oil filter area.
• Use the oil filter cap wrench 65mm 14-flute with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the oil filter counterclockwise.
• Spin the oil filter off by hand once it is loose.
• Tip the open end upward as you remove it to reduce spills.
• Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter. The gasket is the rubber sealing ring on the filter.
• Old gasket stuck means leak risk.

Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter

• Dip a gloved finger in fresh 0W-20 oil and lightly coat the new oil filter gasket.
• Thread the new engine oil filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine.
• Tighten the filter by hand about 2/3 to 3/4 turn after the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• If using the oil filter cap wrench 65mm 14-flute and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench, tighten gently only.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs)
• Do not overtighten the filter.

Step 8: Reinstall the Lower Engine Cover

• Use your hands to position the lower engine cover back into place.
• Use the trim clip removal tool or flat-blade screwdriver to help reinstall the plastic clips.
• Confirm the cover is secure and not hanging loose.

Step 9: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower your Kicks slowly to the ground with the floor jack.

Step 10: Add Fresh Engine Oil

• Place the funnel into the oil filler opening on top of the engine.
• Pour in about 4.0 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil first.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap by hand.
• Wait 2 minutes, then check the dipstick by wiping it with shop towels, reinserting it fully, and pulling it out again.
• Add oil slowly with the funnel until the level reaches near the full mark.
• Total refill is typically about 4.3 quarts with filter, but always finish by dipstick level.

Step 11: Start and Leak Check

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Use the safety glasses and look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Use shop towels to wipe the dipstick, then check the oil level again.
• Add small amounts of 0W-20 oil with the funnel if the level is below full.

Step 12: Reset the Maintenance Reminder

• Use the steering wheel buttons to turn the ignition ON without starting the engine.
• Use the display controls to open Settings > Maintenance > Oil and Filter > Reset.
• Select reset/yes when prompted.
• If your display shows a different wording, use the same path under Settings > Maintenance.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Drive your Kicks for 5-10 minutes, then park on level ground and recheck for leaks.
• ✅ Recheck the oil level after the engine has been off for 5 minutes.
• ✅ The oil level should be between the low and full marks, ideally near full.
• ✅ Pour the used oil into a sealed container and recycle it with the old filter at an auto parts store or recycling center.
• ✅ Write down the mileage and date of the oil change for your records.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$130 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $35-$65 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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